This year’s annual ceremony also celebrated some important firsts: not only did the awards take the total number of certificates presented to outstanding local apprentices to more than 500 over the past 13 years, but it was also the first time a female had won top cadet (Alahna Lewis), as well as overall winner in the cabinet-making trade category (Paige McGann).

ACT Education and Training Minister, Joy Burch, and the chair of the CITC, Bill Cleary, presented the award to the overall winner in front of an audience of 360 guests.

Also recognised were apprentices from trades often overlooked in the building and construction industry, with civil construction, roof tiling and concreting apprentices also receiving acknowledgement at the ceremony.

CITC’s executive director Vince Ball said: “Once again this major industry event provides a great opportunity to recognise and reward outstanding performances by local graduating construction industry apprentices.

“We’ve awarded over 450 outstanding apprentices and trainees as well as presented 55 Encouragement Awards since the inaugural awards in 2002. This is a major achievement.

“Industry really comes together for the awards to celebrate our future workers and recognise the contribution the construction industry plays in our local economy and community.

“The CITC is committed to quality training and professional development for the construction industry and we encourage employers to maintain their commitment to the employment and training of our construction industry apprentices.”

Apprentices are nominated by a Registered Training Organisation, Group Training Organisation or their employer based on their effort on and off the job, personal development and their commitment to the industry. The finalists are recognised as the best graduating apprentices in the ACT and surrounding region.

The 2015 Outstanding Apprentice Award winners are: 

Outstanding Apprentice,  Murray ARMOUR; Bricklaying, Damien HAZELGROVE; Cabinet Making, Paige McGANN; Cadet , Alahna LEWIS; Carpentry, Murray ARMOUR; Civil Construction, Bogdan PLOBERGER; Civil Construction/Heavy Plant Mechanic, Gary COHEN; Concreting, Brenton FAYLE; Glass & Glazing, Kurt KRANITIS; Indigenous (Carpentry),  Alexander JOLLEY; Landscaping, Lachlan SLATER; Meritorious, Thomas LAUNDESS, Matthew WHITE and Patrick MERRITT; Metals Engineering/Light Fabrication,  Zachary TODD; Metals Engineering/Heavy Fabrication, Charles McKILLOP; Painting and Decorating, Matteo Di GIANNICOLA; Plumbing, Bill REID; Refrigeration, Liam KENNEDY; Roof Tiling, Benjamin EISENACH; Systems Electrician, Christopher JONES; Wall & Ceiling Lining, Anthony BELL; Wall and Floor Tiling, Brent CAMILLERI; Woman in Non-Traditional Trade, Paige McGANN.